Author: Dr. Sandra Tsang
Associate Professor, Department of Social Work and Social Administration
At the age of three, Lok Man, who turns out to be a tame and cheerful child, has been frequently throwing tantrums lately. He gets angry when waking up in the morning to get ready for school, when he hears the neighbour’s dog barking, when he sees his mother feeding his newborn brother, and when his father reminds him to share snacks with his playmates. These tantrums include crying, shouting, banging his head against the wall, and throwing a tantrum on the floor.
This example indicates the causes and manifestations of a child’s tantrums, which can be analysed from four aspects: physiological, psychological, social, and moral. The manifestations of tantrums include physiological reactions, behaviour, speech, emotions, and judgments. The causes of tantrums can include:
- Physiological aspect: Lack of sufficient sleep and unwillingness to wake up; overeating and indigestion.
- Psychological aspect: Dislike for the neighbour’s noisy pet.
- Social aspect: Rejection and jealousy towards the newborn brother.
- Moral aspect: Being overwhelmed by anger and insecurity and refusing to share with others.
To effectively manage a child’s emotions, parents can analyse the expressions and causes of the child’s emotional and behavioural problems based on the four aspects mentioned above and then implement appropriate strategies.
- Physiological aspect: If the child is sleep-deprived, overfed, or even facing health issues, it can make them irritable and restless without being able to express it effectively. Parents can examine the child’s daily routine to see if there are any physiological factors contributing to emotional issues and make the necessary adjustments.
- Psychological aspect: Sometimes children may have emotional reactions due to being frightened or losing a sense of security. If parents can observe and empathize, understand the child’s struggles, and use appropriate emotional vocabulary according to their age, they can often successfully address the child’s concerns.
- Social aspect: The arrival of a younger sibling often makes older children feel insecure, and they may redirect their anger towards the younger sibling. Parents should prepare the older sibling both before and after the birth, appreciate their care for the younger sibling, and try to prevent and resolve the child’s sensitive emotions.
- Moral and value judgment aspects: Teaching children’s manners, social skills, and the ability to distinguish right from wrong and encouraging them to demonstrate appropriate behaviours is a long-term task. By establishing a good relationship with their children and providing timely guidance through words and actions, children will gradually learn and understand how to conduct themselves.
